The BYU hockey team again fell to Montana Tech in an emotional game filled with altercations and penalties on senior night.
'I'm really proud of the way that Brendan Hubbard, Tanner Billingsley and Ashton Ripley played tonight,' BYU head coach Josh Burkart said.'
BYU forward Chris Tuttle fights for the puck in an emotional game against Montana Tech on Saturday, Feb. 8. Tuttle scored the first goal for the Cougars in their 4-2 home loss.
The seniors led the team in holding off Montana Tech for seven minutes, but the Orediggers were able to put the first point on the board. Chris Tuttle, a junior forward, then scored in the clutch for BYU to tie the game with only :24 left in the first period.
BYU led off an eventful second quarter with a quick goal to put them ahead 2-1, which Montana Tech promptly rebutted with a score of their own two minutes later to tie the game. Tensions rose as penalties abounded and a large altercation landed two players for each team in the penalty box.
'We really wanted to win for the seniors tonight since this was their last home game,' Tuttle said. 'They've given everything to the team and we've been through a lot.'
The third period was highlighted by solid defense by both teams and high emotions. Several scuffles ensued throughout the course of the period, resulting in penalties on both sides. With under 8:00 remaining in the final period, Montana Tech sent a couple screeching slap shots into the BYU goal to put them up 4-2 over the Cougars.
'Although we lost a couple games this weekend, the team actually played some of the best hockey they've played all year,' Burkart said. 'The guys have been getting better every game.'
BYU will head to Utah State on February 14 at 7:30 p.m. for their last game of the season against the Aggies.